Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
He described his choice of words as an affront to Yoruba tradition.
Obi had earlier addressed the monarch as “My dear brother,” which some critics argued is a breach of cultural protocol and a disrespect to Yoruba tradition.
The Ibadan presenter argued that even President Bola Tinubu avoided casual expressions when addressing the monarch.
“Yoruba people, Ibadan indigenes, Obi has disrespected you. He called Olubadan, a royal head, my friend,” Hamzat said in the broadcast.
“I am not hindering him from getting votes, I am just informing them,” he added.
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“The President did not call him my friend; maybe he said brother. Olubadan has now turned to my father,” he said.
Other critics, including Reno Omokri and Lere Olayinka, also faulted Obi’s remark, labeling it as evidence of “lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish” and “cultural ignorance and political arrogance.”
However, Obi clarified his intention, insisting he never meant to slight the throne.
He explained that he often addresses respected individuals as “my dear elder brother” and that his words were “borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
Obi emphasised that he respects protocol and authority and tries to adhere to them.
He wrote, “Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill Message to His Royal Majesty.
“I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
“I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing.
“I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals, especially those close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect. I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner.
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill”.
